TENANT SERVICES

Find a Property
Contact us in the first instance to provide us with full details about yourself and about the accommodation you require. We can then search our database for suitable properties for you to view. If not urgent, we log your details so that we can contact you as suitable properties become available. It is wise to start looking about a month before you wish to move, as the nicer properties are viewed and reserved quickly.

Viewings
Viewings will be arranged at a convenient time. Our opening hours are 9am-6pm Monday to Friday. Our Saturday opening hours are 9.30am to 4.30pm. You will always be accompanied by a member of staff, who can give advice and answer any questions you may have.

Length of Tenancy
The normal minimum length of an Assured Shorthold Tenancy is six months with a maximum of one year less one day. This may be extended at the end of the term dependant on the Landlord.

Application Fee
Upon your wishing to proceed with an application for a tenancy, an application fee of £200.00 is payable, this sum holding the property for a maximum of 4 days. If your application does not complete, due to the landlord backing out; then the fee is fully refundable to you. However, should you decide not to proceed or successful references are not obtained, then a fee of £200.00 is charged for the time the property was off the market and our administration. We regret that we CANNOT assist DSS or Housing Benefit claimants.

References
We are required to take up references on each prospective tenant. We use a credit referencing agency for this purpose. The cost for this is included in the application fee. In certain circumstances, a guarantor may be required for whom we will also require references. There is no charge for the first guarantor. A charge for subsequent guarantors will be applicable. It generally takes up to 5 working days to receive references. Once satisfactory references have been received, a date for the commencement of the tenancy can be agreed upon and a time arranged which is mutually convenient to both the Inventory Clerk and the Tenant for the check-in. This will be confirmed in a letter to you.

Deposit Monies and First Months Rent
It is a requirement that we hold a tenants deposit, as ‘agents for the landlord’, against the Inventory (not rental arrears), which is 6 weeks rent. The first month’s rent is payable, in advance. Payment must be made by bankers draft, building society cheque or cash. We cannot accept personal or company cheques.

Main Services/Utilities
Whilst in residence it is the Tenants responsibility to pay the Council Tax, Water Rates, Gas, Electricity, Telephone and Television Licence.

At the check-in the inventory clerk will note the meter readings and we shall also notify the service companies.

To take over an existing telephone line, you contact Telecom Sales on 150 and inform them you wish to take over the telephone service.

(You must however contact British Telecom beforehand as they may be arranging to disconnect the telephone line and you may then be liable for a re-connection charge.)